Completely agree. Ironically his downfall with the fans is he played hurt quite often (when he could have sat out). Instead of being viewed as a gamer, his quiet personality was mistaken for disinterest. By playing hurt, his stats took a hit and many viewed him as an under-achiever.

Can't agree with this one. I don't think Houston has that person that you can't allow to beat you. Tulo, Pujols, Votto etc are elite players that you dance around like you are in a mine field. Pence does not scare me like that and I am actually more afraid of Lee's homer potential.

I agree that these series are vital. If the Mets have a losing record on this home stand, I think the mountain will be too high to climb. The entire year will be spent trying to catch .500. Losing the opener to Houston doesn't help. The clock is ticking.

Rafi, I felt Beltran was the higher priority because of his all around game. But I totally agree that DelGado is a hall of famer and he has not been adequately replaced in the lineup.

If you look at David Wrights RISP average when DelGado was at the top of his game .. it is astounding. DelGado's greatness was not only on the stat sheet but he elevated his teammates by being "the guy". He handled that burden well and Wright flourished when he was allowed to be somewhat under the radar. The loss of Olerud was profound and so has been the loss of DelGado. I think we will have a GOOD one in Ike .. but not a GREAT one.

I like Murphy in the 2 spot but not Turner. It's a loaded question. I don't like either of those guys at 2B ... but assuming that's what we are dealing with ... I think Murphy would fit well at the 2 spot.

I have mixed feelings about Thole in the 2 spot. His skills certainly are suited for it. However, when Paulino returns, he will get about 1/3 of the playing time. This means on the days Thole sits, someone else will have to bat second (Paulino is not a good fit there).

So I prefer to stay with Pagan. Pagan is another speedster who will not clog up the bases if Reyes makes an out and then he gets on. Also, Thole's discipline at the plate is well suited for the eighth spot. It is not as galmorous a position in the order but it is still important to have someone who can drive in runs there and consistently "clear the pitcher".

You're right he DID manage that game like it was game 7 of the world series. It reminded me of last year when Jerry pulled out all the stops to win that 20 inning game in St. Louis. Both times, the managers were correct, a win was DESPERATELY needed. Even Josh Thole admitted after the game it was a "must" win. How often do you hear THAT from a player in the month of April.

What impact do you think the lineup has on Wright's performance in those situations? In 2006, Wright was surrounded by Beltran at his best and Carlos DelGado. Pitching around Wright was not really an option. Is there anybody on the current Mets roster that would make a team take their chances with Wright?

It's hard to quantify but I do think the lack of protection along with the feeling that he has to do it all has played into Wright's declining production in those situations.

I am glad to see you did not declare this game a moral victory. Met fandom is in a state of transition. Many are happy to see that the team played hard all nine innings, showed heart and didn't give up. But that should be an expectation. The transition will be complete when Met fans are very UNHAPPY with comebacks that don't result in wins. Until that happens on a consistent basis, we will be left with feeling good about "the way" we lost.